Divorce Dex.com: Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS)

Definition Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS) - a theory that some parents intentionally cause the breakdown in a child’s relationship with the other parent.

Application in Divorce A theory developed by Dr. Richard Gardner, PAS has been described "as a disturbance in which children are not merely systematically and consciously ’brainwashed’ but also subconsciously and unconsciously ’programmed’ by one parent against the other."

The parental alienation syndrome can be the basis of a marital tort, and some courts have held that PAS is justification for a change in custody.

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Parents Healing from Divorce
After a divorce, a major factor in recovery is getting along with the child’s other parent, who is the former spouse. A parent who continues to relive old hurts and injuries harms himself or herself and the children. Anger and guilt drain energy and imagination a divorced person needs to start anew.

Contributed on 7/11/2007 by: DivorceDex.com Staff
Category: Parenting (Applicable in All States)
Parental Alienation and Parenting Coordinator Work
Parenting Coordinator (PC) work can greatly reduce parental alienation and it’s very harmful effects on children and teens. Some states have credentialing and guidelines for parenting coordinators, however, many do not. While a PC is not a therapist, the PC serves the very important role of working therapeutically to help separated and divorced parents co-parent their children and teens. In working with family law attorneys, I often recommend putting in place PC work within the divorce agreement as a preventative and supportive measure should conflicts arise.

Contributed on 10/20/2009 by: Ashburn Psychological ServicesAshburn, VA[Total Submissions: 1]
Category: Child Support (Applicable in All States)

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Additional Resources

Parental Alienation: Diagnostic Considerations from a Systemic Perspective

Parental alienation is a term coined by many authors to describe a phenomenon that occurs when a child becomes allied with one parent and disparages or rejects the other. Generally, this occurs in cases of high conflict divorce. In extreme cases, the child may refuse to see the rejected parent, who is most often, but not always the non-custodial parent.

Family Wars: The Alienation of Children

The parents of Amy (age 10) and Kevin (age 7) are divorcing after 13 years of marriage. Their father, by temporary stipulation, has moved from the marital home. He is entitled to visit with the children on alternating weekends and one evening, during the week. Soon, the children begin to refuse to go with him.

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